The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is a collection of misfit toys that other teams deemed unworthy. Quarterback Russell Wilson was cut before playing a down on a $245 million extension. His backup, Justin Fields, was traded for 10 cents on the dollar. Ancillary running back Jaylen Warren was passed on by every team as an undrafted free agent, a much of the receiver room is made of castaways of varying shapes and sizes.
As such, it should be no surprise that their recent offensive acquisition, receiver Mike Williams, fit right in.
Williams caught a single pass in his Steelers debut – the most important play in an instant classic, 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) celebrates with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders late in the second half at Northwest Stadium.
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The newly-minted Pittsburgh receiver, with just over two minutes remaining, caught a patented “moon ball” from Wilson, beating his corner to make an over-the-shoulder grab in the end zone. It was a similar play, in a similar situation, to a target he saw as a member of the New York Jets, when quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw a game-losing interception in Williams’ vicinity.
After the game, Rodgers blamed the interception on Williams effectively running the wrong route by not maintaining the “red line,” which teams often use on their practice fields. Days later, the team traded for Rodgers’ friend and star receiver Davante Adams.
Williams’ tenure unofficially ended with that deal. Three weeks later, he, too, would find himself traded for a fifth-round pick, shipped to Western Pennsylvania after an unimpressive Jets career.
He logged 12 catches for 166 yards and no touchdowns in New York. In a single game with the Steelers, he made good on his only target for the 32-yard score.
Williams let Jets fans know about it on Monday, posting a handful of celebratory pictures after the Week 10 win. In the caption, he included several hashtags, including “RedLine,” a not-so-subtle shot at his former employer.
On Victory Monday, anything goes. Especially when a player has a reason to feel scorned and a performance worth gloating about. In his first game with the Steelers, Williams played an integral role in a win, pushing Pittsburgh toward the playoffs.
He’s already done more for the Steelers than he did for the Jets. And with his strong first impression, it’s safe to say he’s been a welcome addition to the black and gold.
